James Troy Joyce, 84, of Bassett, died Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was born June 20, 1923, in Henry County, to Peter E. Joyce and Minnie Wright Joyce. He was a member of Blackberry Baptist Church since 1939. He had served as a deacon, choir director, Sunday School director and had served on many church committees. He had sung in a Gospel Quartet and was instrumental in establishing Fairway Baptist Church. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and participated in the decisive Normandy Invasion. Mr. Joyce worked and retired from DuPont. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lucille Koger; and his brothers, Bernard Joyce and Carl Joyce. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lola Mae Terry Joyce; his sons, the Rev. Daryl Joyce and wife, Jennifer, of Danville, and Eric Joyce and wife, Sherry, of Carrollton, Ga.; a sister, Mary Frances Joyce Bower, of Bassett; six grandchildren, Amber Joyce Cosner, James Joyce, Justin Joyce Brittany Joyce, Heather Joyce and Travis Joyce; one stepgreat-grandson, Malcolm Cosner; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 22, 2008, at Blackberry Baptist Church with the Rev. John Wood, Dr. G.H. Vaughan Jr. and the Rev. Neil Craig officiating. Burial will follow in Blackberry Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, February 21, 2008, at Blackberry Baptist Church from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and other times at the home on 5153 Stone's Dairy Road, Bassett. Memorials may be made to Blackberry Baptist Church, 3241 Stone's Dairy Road, Bassett, Va., 24055. Arrangements are by Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Bassett. Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Bassett.
Published in the Roanoke Times from 2/20/2008 - 2/22/2008.